I haven't even watched the last two seasons, but I'm not surprised, really. I read some spoilers about it earlier. I often wish that our TV shows were plotted out more like BBC mini-series or even Japanese anime where there is a definite beginning, middle, and end. There are a number of shows (I'm looking at you, Fringe, although it was handled pretty well, really) where they just lumbered along without a goal.

I am totally spoiled by Netflix and not having any network television available easily due to the lack of an antenna at the house we've been living in for the past year. Yeah, I know stuff is available online, but NETFLIX and it'll show up there eventually, right?

Huh. I just watched it. The mother dying was telegraphed a few episodes (?) ago, and as soon as Robin and Barney broke up you knew where that was headed... so I guess I just saw it as all the pieces falling into place? Finales are usually pretty mediocre, so I suppose my lowered expectations are informing my reaction.